Gabriel Martinelli Leaves Arsenal in £60m Record Move to Al-Hilal, Omits Arteta in Farewell

Gabriel Martinelli has officially left Arsenal after seven years, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a club-record £60 million deal. The 25-year-old Brazilian winger was revealed by the Riyadh club on Thursday, following his medical earlier this week.

Relationship Breakdown with Mikel Arteta

Martinelli's departure comes after a sudden collapse in his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta. Despite playing a key role in Arsenal's Premier League title win last season, Martinelli was dropped from recent squads, missing out on the Community Shield and the league opener against Coventry City.

Arteta reportedly informed him he was no longer part of his tactical plans, which opened the door for the lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia. Martinelli was entering the final year of his contract and had previously turned down an offer from Turkish club Galatasaray before accepting the move to Al-Hilal.

Farewell Message Leaves Out Arteta

After the announcement, Martinelli shared an emotional goodbye on social media, thanking many at Arsenal but noticeably excluding Arteta from his message.

• Thanked staff and teammates: Chefs, kit staff, doctors, doormen, security, media, cleaning staff, physios, and every teammate since 2019.
• Appreciated fans: For making him feel at home and supporting him every time he played.
• Thanked Arsenal: For believing in him and giving him the opportunity to showcase his talent.
• Most of all: Gratitude to his family and wife for emotional support through challenges.

I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, so hard to put 7 years into words. From 35 to 11. Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner. Goodbye, and thank you again.

Impact of Martinelli’s Exit

His unexpected exit has unsettled the Arsenal dressing room. Some senior players were unhappy about his exclusion during the summer. Former striker Ian Wright criticized the treatment Martinelli received, saying it made him uncomfortable.

Arsenal have moved quickly to reshape their left wing. They signed Christos Tzolis for £34 million and are using Eberechi Eze as a backup, while their attempt to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid fell through.

Martinelli leaves England after making 191 Premier League appearances. He now joins a strong Al-Hilal squad managed by Simone Inzaghi, teaming up with new signings Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville.

Looking Ahead: Arsenal and Martinelli

Arsenal must overcome any tension in the locker room as they chase another Premier League title. Arteta needs his revamped attack to gel quickly to keep their momentum.

Meanwhile, Martinelli will adapt to his new life in the Middle East. Al-Hilal are engaged in a tight race for the Saudi Pro League crown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Manager Inzaghi will expect his £60 million signing to make an immediate impact.

• Upcoming fixtures:
• Saudi Pro League: Al Shabab vs Al Hilal on 4 Sept 2026 at 20:00
• Premier League: Arsenal vs Chelsea on 6 Sept 2026 at 17:30